So the word from on high is that we've all got to start keeping track of our time at work. As in writing down everything we do and how long it takes. As in:
9:01 – 9:08 a.m. Checked office e-mail. Read note from supervisor about need to keep track of time.
9:08 – 9:10 a.m. Received verbal assurance from supervisor that: A) They're "serious" about this; B) It wasn't his idea and that he also views it as a "colossal [unintelligible]."
9:11 – 9:20 a.m. Reassured several coworkers that this could mean lots of things other than large-scale pending layoffs.
9:21 – 9:55 a.m. Stared into space while trying to imagine what this could possibly mean other than large-scale pending layoffs.
9:55 – 10:00 a.m. Created Excel spreadsheet and logged this entry and those above.
Seriously, is there any way to keep track of the time spent keeping track of one's time without it coming across as sarcastic?
I suppose it's possible that this exercise might have some purpose other than thinning the herd for eventual layoffs. It could, for example, be part of an attempt to improve efficiency by systematically reviewing everyone's daily workload. Such an effort would need to be carefully explained, however, to ensure honest and objective participation. Without such a careful explanation — and without employees' trust that this was an honest process and not just the prelude to layoffs — all this process will produce is a well-padded series of CYA memos. And I'm not sure an approach guaranteed to lower workplace morale is really the wisest first step in any effort to improve productivity.
What I'm wondering is this: Has anyone ever had the chutzpah to respond to such a request appropriately — which is to say, in kind? "Certainly, sir. I'd be glad to keep track of my workflow for you. And, you know, it would also be beneficial to me to better understand how you spend your time, so for the next week …"
If anybody ever did that, they're my hero. Anyway, I gotta go. I have to get ready for my meeting with the Two Bobs.
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